Chicken DNA Sex Testing: Which Method Is Best for Your Flock?

DNA sex testing for chickens is now simple enough to perform right on your farm. Whether you’re testing a few chicks each season or dozens every week, choosing the right DNA testing kit can save time and money. 

Whether you want to identify pullets and cockerels on day one or test for important genetic traits, miniPCR Dx offers two reliable DNA testing solutions: 

  • chickView: Our fastest and simplest test, it is also very affordable. Perfect if you only need to sex chickens. Everything you need to get started is included in the chickView Workstation.
  • ZeeWee I: A little more technical, but ideal if you plan to expand your testing. It uses the same PCR and gel electrophoresis equipment as our other avian DNA tests, so you can perform chicken DNA sex tests, test for genetic traits like plumage color, and analyze samples from many other bird species using a single platform. 

Example of chickView result

Example of gelPCR result

What’s The Best On-Farm Chicken DNA Sex Test for You?

Here is how our chickView and ZeeWee I DNA tests compare, so you can choose the perfect fit for your flock.

chickViewZeeWee I
Total Time1 hour3.5 hours
Hands-On Time7 minutes30 minutes
Data InterpretationFluorescent readout (females glow green)Gel electrophoresis bands (one band male, two bands female) 
Cost per Bird$1.50 – $2.50$1.50 – $4.50
EquipmentchickView WorkstationgelPCR Equipment Bundle
Initial Equipment Investment$899 – $1,200$990 – $1,900
Equipment VersatilityChicken sexing only (for now!)Chicken traits + sexing multiple bird species
Refills NeededTests and pipette tipsTests, pipette tips, gel electrophoresis supplies
TechnologyfluoPCRgelPCR
Internal ControlNot includedIncluded 
Complimentary Training & SupportIncludedIncluded

In summary, chickView is ideal for farmers looking for a quick and simple screening solution, while ZeeWee I requires a bit more hands-on effort but is a more comprehensive DNA test because it includes an internal control. The internal control confirms proper DNA extraction. While ZeeWee I clearly distinguishes males from females, a negative chickView result could mean either a male or a processing error. Either way, you can’t go wrong – both tests produce highly reliable results in the hands of experienced breeders. 

Not sure what to choose? Contact us at [email protected] or schedule a free consultation. We will provide the best solution for your farm! 

Related Resources

Avian tests

chickView™ Workstation